"Eligible" usually means that the people listed have met the minimum ranking criteria, which can vary from the different types of rankings (national vs. sectional, NTRP vs. age group or opens, etc).

For instance, to have a national adult age group ranking, you must play at least one of the Category I national championships to be eligible. However, your name might show up as "ineligible" in the rolling standings lists if you've played in a Category II championship and have accumulated some points.

In Sectional rankings, eligibility on a ranking list might be determined by your place of residence (do you live in the Section or just played a tournament there?), the number of points you've accumulated, or by meeting a certain number of minimum tournaments played. This can vary by each Section's rules.

"Eligible" usually means that the people listed have met the minimum ranking criteria, which can vary from the different types of rankings (national vs. sectional, NTRP vs. age group or opens, etc).

For instance, to have a national adult age group ranking, you must play at least one of the Category I national championships to be eligible. However, your name might show up as "ineligible" in the rolling standings lists if you've played in a Category II championship and have accumulated some points.

In Sectional rankings, eligibility on a ranking list might be determined by your place of residence (do you live in the Section or just played a tournament there?), the number of points you've accumulated, or by meeting a certain number of minimum tournaments played. This can vary by each Section's rules.

I never played a Category I tournament this year, but I have an eligible ranking (#223 in Men's 45 Singles). Don't quote me on this, but I think if you play a Category II and two other tournaments, you're eligible.

I never played a Category I tournament this year, but I have an eligible ranking (#223 in Men's 45 Singles). Don't quote me on this, but I think if you play a Category II and two other tournaments, you're eligible.

Having played a Category II event, you'll be eligible to show up in the rolling standings list, but you won't be eligible for a final year ranking.

"Minimum Ranking Requirement: To be eligible for a national ranking in singles or doubles, a player must play in one (1) Category I National Championship in the age division in which the player seeks to obtain a ranking."

I know that the differences between the various ranking lists can be confusing (i.e., rolling standings vs. final ranking, eligible vs. ineligible, etc.). I've even seen USTA employees responsible for the rankings in my Section screw them up. In fact, the only article that I could find to explain the difference is here (dated from a couple years ago):